Yonaguni Pyramid Defies Modern Understanding of Ancient World
7.21.25
Researchers are re-examining ancient structures in Asia and Indonesia that could rewrite modern society's understanding of the ancient world. The Yonaguni monument, a sunken 'pyramid' near Taiwan, has sharp-angled steps made entirely of stone, leading many to believe it was built over 10,000 years ago. In contrast, Gunung Padang in Indonesia is said to be the world's oldest pyramid, dating back more than 16,000 years, and was first re-discovered by Dutch explorers in 1890.
Athina Onassis, daughter of French businessman Thierry Roussel and socialite Christina, attended the exclusive Bal d'Été in Paris, directed by Sofia Coppola. The event, which welcomes 300 A-Listers, raised money for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Athina wore a stunning red dress to the gala, where she posed with celebrities including Kiera Knightley and Anna Wintour. This marks her first public appearance in three years, following her marriage breakdown in 2016.
Dayong Mendoza emphasizes the importance of living multiple stories in life, challenging the notion that specialization limits one's identity. As a playwright and coach, Mendoza suggests that it's possible to create a lasting legacy beyond wins and titles by incorporating elements of color, memory, and truth into one's work.
Filipino Artists Unite with Global Counterparts in Exhibition
7.20.25
Filipino artists will join international counterparts from Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and India in a month-long exhibition celebrating cross-cultural artistic exchange. The event highlights the launch of "Cultural Canvases," a book exploring the intersection of heritage and innovation in global art scenes, written by Manuel Sinquenco and featuring contributions from notable Filipino artists such as Roy Espinosa and Al Vargas.
A mural of Rosa Parks, created by urban artist FKDL as part of a street art festival, has been unveiled in northeast Paris, honoring her legacy. The mural is one of several painted in the neighborhood and was attended by Rosa Parks' son, Brian, who said it brought back fond memories of his mother.
Hamiduzzaman Khan: A Pioneering Force in Modern Sculpture in Bangladesh
He is a renowned sculptor who has created iconic works in Bangladesh over five decades.
Notable Works:
- Songshoptok at Jahangirnagar University
- Hamla at Sylhet Cantonment
- Shantir Payra at TSC
International Recognition:
- 1988 sculpture Steps in the Seoul Olympic Park earned him international recognition.
Awards and Honors:
- Ekushey Padak in 2006
- Fellowship from Bangla Academy in 2023 for his contributions to sculpture.
Considered a founding figure of Bangladesh's modern sculpture movement, building on the path opened by Novera Ahmed.
Iceland's Winter Landscapes Captured by Patrick Lefèvre
7.20.25
Icelandic artist Patrick Lefèvre's "Form Vertur" series captures the country's unique landscapes during winter, where weather and light can dramatically alter the scenery. The title "Vetur" translates to "winter," a season marked by rapid changes in Iceland's vast open spaces, resulting in either enchanting visions of fleeting magic or quiet desolation.
Indonesia Aims to Leverage Culture for Economic Growth
7.20.25
Indonesia has the potential to become the world's cultural capital due to its rich cultural expressions, including traditional cuisine, local arts, and games like pacu jalur rowing, which recently gained popularity. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon aims to build a bridge between culture and other sectors such as the creative economy, tourism, MSMEs, and cooperatives to leverage Indonesia's cultural wealth as soft power for economic advancement.
Indonesia Showcases Innovative IP Seeds in Jakarta Exhibition
7.20.25
Indonesia is showcasing its promising intellectual property (IP) seeds at The Local Market in Jakarta, a creative product exhibition. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Irene Umar praised local entrepreneurs for their innovative designs and sustainable values. She hopes that events like this will spread to other regions, providing more opportunities for local businesses to showcase their work globally. The ministry's Ekraf Hunt program aims to promote Indonesian creators' intellectual property worldwide through its official website.